The article “Greensburg police Det. John Swank dead at 51” (Sept. 27, TribLIVE) was very well done. Swank was always the consummate professional when he spoke to my criminal justice writing classes at Westmoreland County Community College. He had amazing communication skills and gave in-depth presentations.
He always stressed that criminal justice professionals are not just arresting people for offenses. A bigger part of the job is focusing on community service and being there to help those you serve. He stressed the importance of understanding that sometimes you need to refer people to the right community resources to help them improve — for instance, Excela Health’s mental health care services — and knowing what resources are available. He also felt that you should never give up on people with substance abuse issues.
Swank was an advocate for further education. He told my students to try to complete their bachelor’s degrees and go beyond that if possible and gave suggestions for completing exams for criminal justice positions and continuing education courses.
Swank was everything that a police officer should be in 2020.
Michael Hricik
Mt. Pleasant